Utah has not had a Democratic governor since 1985. The Republican incumbency advantage there is formidable to say the least. However, this year's Democratic challenger to Republican Gov. Gary Herbert, Gen. Peter Stryker Cooke, wants to change that, and has the chops to do it.
Progress in Utah Already
In the neighborhoods surrounding the Salt Lake City Country Club, Cooke signs dot the streets. They feature two stars, symbolizing the General's 39-year career in the Army Reserves. Their colors: red and white. 'COOKE' is emblazoned in the middle in bold, blue font. They resemble an American Flag.

It's not uncommon in Utah to see Democratic candidates forego any indication that they're Democrats on campaign literature. It's a bold move, believe it or not, to put a donkey on yard signs here. The fear, or perhaps the well-documented fact, is that the biggest obstacle for a Democrat is the mere presence of a 'D' after his name.